Author: Susie Nelson | Owner of The Cycling Yogi
This week, I’ve been really struggling to get to class—and honestly, it sucks. I’m frustrated, annoyed at myself, and stuck in that familiar headspace of: Why can’t I just figure this out? What’s wrong with me? Why am I so unmotivated? (like really…get it together woman!)
And here’s the kicker: I OWN A FITNESS STUDIO. I am literally the thing…the person…the place where people go to move, to get their sh*t together. Shouldn’t I be the queen of motivation by now? Shouldn’t I have all this figured out?
Apparently… nope.
So, here’s what’s been swirling around in my head (while I come up with every excuse under the sun not to go to class—yes, I’ve got a full party happening up there):
Why do I, of all people, need accountability? Isn’t that something for people who don’t live and breathe this stuff?
This week has reminded me of something I don’t love admitting…I need accountability. And if I’m honest…that makes me feel like I’m weak or something. I want to be one of those people who just wakes up, gets sh*t done, check it off, no fuss. I pride myself on being self-sufficient and driven… so needing someone (or something) to help me show up? Yeah, that’s not exactly my proudest moment.
But here’s the thing I keep seeing over and over again at the studio: accountability works. It’s honestly one of the biggest indicators (maybe “boosters” is a better word?) of whether someone sticks with their routine. Whether it’s a text from a friend, signing up for class ahead of time, or just knowing someone’s going to notice if you ghost again… it makes a difference.
It’s not about willpower. It’s about having something outside of yourself that helps hold you accountable when your motivation fizzles out.
So, why do I get so judgy with myself when I need that same support? Maybe it’s because deep down, I feel like I shouldn’t need it. (wow…all those Dr. Phil episodes are really paying off) Like, if I just had a strong enough “why,” I’d never skip a class, never waver, never fall off track.
But the truth? Life doesn’t work like that. And here’s what I’ve finally had to accept: motivation isn’t always going to be there. And on those days when it’s not? Accountability can carry the weight. It can remind me of my “why” when I forget.
Yeah, I hate that I need that nudge sometimes, but apparently? I do.
SO NOW the hardest part is not letting one off week spiral into some big existential crisis (okay, maybe it’s too late for that). I tell clients all the time that consistency doesn’t mean perfection. So maybe I should take my own advice and use this moment to check in, not beat myself up.
Maybe I should reframe from thinking that needing accountability means I’m failing. Maybe it just means I’m human. And if I can figure out how to use accountability to stay consistent, then I’m in a better position to help you do the same.
Because maybe, just maybe, it’s not about being perfectly self-motivated all the time. Maybe it’s about building systems that help you keep showing up. For yourself. For your “why.” For the version of you you’re trying to grow into.
So, that’s where I’m at this week. Deep in my own accountability spiral, but crawling out with a little more grace and a reminder that it’s okay to need support. Even when you’re the one supposed to be giving it.
Because at the end of the day, what I really care about is creating a space that helps people show up for themselves. Even, and especially, when it’s hard. Because that’s what it’s all about.
Thanks for tuning in! I’ll be in my closet, pretending I have my sh*t together while secretly eating Lucky Charms straight out of the box. And maybe, just maybe, trying to convince myself that leftover pizza counts as a “healthy routine” (there’s vegetables on pizza!) Remember, we’re all just one bad week away from a Nutella binge. If you need me, that’s where I’ll be, probably with a spoon in hand. You’re not alone in your accountability struggles. (Grab a spoon!) Catch you next time!
